Federal authorities have charged Luis Nino-Moncada, an undocumented immigrant and alleged associate of the Tren de Aragua criminal group, with violent actions against Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon. The Justice Department stated that Nino-Moncada is accused of repeatedly striking a federal law enforcement vehicle during a targeted operation, endangering agents and causing significant property damage.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the case: “Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department. This man — an illegal alien with ties to a foreign terrorist organization — should NEVER have been in our country to begin with, and we will ensure he NEVER walks free in America again.”
Nino-Moncada faces charges including aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000. He is scheduled for his initial court appearance at 1:30 PM PST.
According to official reports, Border Patrol agents were conducting an immigration enforcement operation targeting a vehicle linked to a woman suspected of involvement in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring. The woman had previously been arrested by Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas but failed to report to immigration authorities after her release. Law enforcement also suspects her involvement in a shooting related to prostitution activity.
Authorities allege that after being ordered out of the vehicle by agents, Nino-Moncada reversed into an unoccupied Border Patrol car at high speed, causing extensive damage. He then continued moving forward and backward multiple times, striking the vehicle repeatedly before fleeing the scene with the female passenger.
The damaged government vehicle sustained severe harm: its front bumper was torn off, both headlights were destroyed, there was denting on several panels including detachment of the fender liner, and further dents on doors and quarter panels.
After being apprehended for questioning by FBI special agents, Nino-Moncada admitted he intentionally rammed the law enforcement vehicle while trying to escape and acknowledged knowing it belonged to immigration authorities.
